Israel says it’s arming clans to fight Hamas in Gaza
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that Israel is arming clans in the Gaza Strip to combat Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that Israel has been fighting for almost 20 months.
Netanyahu issued a video statement acknowledging that Israel had “activated” clans that oppose Hamas, saying the move would help save the lives of Israeli soldiers.
The prime minister made the statement after Avigdor Lieberman, a right-wing lawmaker and former deputy prime minister who is opposed to Netanyahu, leaked the news that Israel was arming Palestinian factions in Gaza and warned that the weapons could eventually be turned on Israel’s own troops, who are engaged in a large-scale offensive to take control of the coastal enclave and destroy Hamas.
Lieberman claimed in an interview with an Israeli broadcaster that the “Israeli government is giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons identified with Islamic State, at the direction of the prime minister.” NPR has been unable to substantiate the claim.
Israel media identified one of the recipients of Israeli support as a gang led by Yasser Abu Shabab, who has been accused by other Palestinians of looting U.N. aid convoys in recent months, adding to the widespread hunger caused by Israel’s restrictions on supplies coming into Gaza.
But Abu Shabab has recently tried to rebrand himself as a militia leader fighting Hamas and securing the delivery of food to Gazans, and has posted pictures of himself and his men armed and in uniform.
Auburn tabs USF’s Alex Golesh as its next coach, replacing Hugh Freeze on the Plains
The 41-year-old Golesh, who was born in Russia and moved to the United State at age 7, is signing a six-year contract that averages more than $7 million annually to replace Hugh Freeze. Freeze was fired in early November after failing to fix Auburn’s offensive issues in three seasons on the Plains.
Alabama Power seeks to delay rate hike for new gas plant amid outcry
The state’s largest utility has proposed delaying the rate increase from its purchase of a $622 million natural gas plant until 2028.
Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones announces run for Alabama governor
Jones announced his campaign Monday afternoon, hours after filing campaign paperwork with the Secretary of State's Office. His gubernatorial bid could set up a rematch with U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, the Republican who defeated Jones in 2020 and is now running for governor.
Scorching Saturdays: The rising heat threat inside football stadiums
Excessive heat and more frequent medical incidents in Southern college football stadiums could be a warning sign for universities across the country.
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor
The Gulf States Newsroom is hiring an Audio Editor to join our award-winning team covering important regional stories across Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana.
Judge orders new Alabama Senate map after ruling found racial gerrymandering
U.S. District Judge Anna Manasco, appointed by President Donald Trump during his first term, issued the ruling Monday putting a new court-selected map in place for the 2026 and 2030 elections.
